Mount for a patient monitoring device

ABSTRACT

A mount for a device configured to monitor the movements or other activities of patient. Aspects include a monitoring unit and base, where the base may further include a pad with one or more pins extending into the base. The pad may be positioned inside a garment worn by a patient, the pins passing through the garment and electrically connecting to circuits in the fabric of the garment (e.g. a sock worn by the patient). The circuits may include sensors which are response to changes in pressure caused by patient movement. Output from the sensors may be carried by the circuits in the garment to the pins in the pad, and from there through the garment and into the base and the monitoring unit for processing and reporting to caregivers as needed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/922,971 filed Mar. 16, 2018, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

The risk of a patient falling from a bed, chair, or other supportingstructure is an important concern for those responsible for providingpatient care. While patient falls are not always serious, thepossibility of additional injuries to the patient, and the potentialliabilities for caregivers makes avoiding patient falls an importantconcern.

Patients who fall may experience considerable pain and discomfort andmay require additional time to heel old injuries that have beenaggravated by the fall, or new injuries caused by the event itself. Forhealthcare providers, patient falls generally mean additional costs,some or all of which the facility may be forced to write-off. Forinsurance companies, the additional risk of injury from patient fallsincreases costs making it generally more expensive to provide healthcoverage to patients and liability insurance for hospitals andcaregivers.

In some cases, monitoring equipment may be used to aid caregivers indetermining when a patient may soon fall. Such equipment may interactwith sensors in the patient's room, or mounted on the patient's body.Mounting devices for this equipment can be helpful for maintaining asecure and reliable connection between the monitoring device and thesensors, preferably without requiring specialized clothing that may beuncomfortable or easily damaged by the patient's normal movements.Preferably, such monitoring and mounting equipment is comfortable towear and unobtrusive for the patient.

Thus patients, caregivers, and medical institutions would benefit frommonitoring systems that can predict when a patient is about to fall thatare easily installed and maintained.

SUMMARY

This disclosure generally relates to a mount for a monitoring devicethat can monitor patient activity in a hospital, clinic, nursing home,or other facility where a patient may be receiving care. Morespecifically, the disclosed mount can maintain a patient monitoringdevice on a piece of clothing worn by patient such as a sock that haspressure sensors in the sock itself.

In one aspect, the sock includes fibers in the fabric that areresponsive to changes in pressure such as pressure occurring from apatient standing or walking. For example, the stress measuring fibersmay include piezoresistive materials or properties. These stressmeasuring fibers change resistance as pressure is applied. To detect thechanges in resistance, other conductive fibers are included in the sockfabric that carry changes in the resistance of the stress measuringfibers to a central location on the sock, such as just above the ankle.These changes in resistance may then be received and analyzed by apatient monitoring device

In order for the monitoring device to receive the signals sent by thepressure sensing fibers, the patient monitoring device must be held inproper position and alignment in relation to the conductive threads.Proper alignment allows the proper terminals in the monitoring device tobe electrically connected to the correct corresponding conductive fibersin the sock while still allowing the sock fabric to stretch or movesomewhat for patient comfort.

As disclosed herein, a base portion may be used to clamp a portion ofthe sock fabric between a pad inside the sock, and a frame outside thesock. The pad may include one or more pins extending through the sockfabric and into at least a portion of the frame. The frame may include amount portion and one or more terminals such that at least one of thepins is electrically connected to at least one of the conductive threadsof the sock. For example, the pins may be positioned so that each pinpasses through one or more of the conductive traces and into the frame.

Properly mounted, the patient monitoring device detects patient activityand reports this data in real time to a patient monitoring system. Thissystem uses the reported information to predict when a patient is likelyto stand, which may lead to a fall, for example, from a bed, chair, orother supporting structure. When the system determines that a fall isimminent, nearby caregivers may be alerted and can then offer timelyassistance thus increasing the chance of avoiding a fall before ithappens.

The patient monitoring device disclosed includes a monitoring devicewith one or more sensors such as a pressure sensor, accelerometer,gyroscope, temperature, proximity, or sensor that may be positioned onor near a patient. The monitoring device may receive updated sensorreadings and can report this information to a central server. The servermay then alert caregivers who are close by informing them that thepatient's activities indicate a risk of an imminent fall.

The system may make this determination by comparing sensor readings withpredetermined limits set for each particular patient. In one example, apressure sensor may be incorporated into a patient's socks. The pressuresensor may include conductive threads woven into the fabric of the sock.When the threads are stretched or compressed the resistance of thecircuit may change in response and may be detected by a monitoringdevice. In one example, the pressure sensor is the “Smart Sock” made byTexiSense of Montceau Les Mines, France. Excessive pressure, rapidchanges in pressure, or other sensor readings may signal patientmovement that may be potentially harmful.

The patient monitoring device may include a transmitter configured tosend sensor information and/or alarm notifications to the remote server.When an alarm condition is detected by the monitoring device, an alarmmessage may be sent to the server which may automatically locate one ormore caregivers closest to the patient. The alarm message may be sent tothese caregivers indicating that an unexpected and possibly detrimentalsituation has occurred, or is about to occur, prompting caregivers tomove to the patient to provide assistance.

Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, andexamples of the present disclosure will become apparent from a detaileddescription and drawings provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a component diagram illustrating exemplary components of apatient monitoring system as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating pressure sensors on the sockof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of major components of the patientmonitoring device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a monitor portion of the device in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a base portion of the device in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the patient monitoring device ofFIGS. 1-5 mounted on fabric.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of the spatialrelationship between the mount of FIG. 1, and the mounting garment.

FIG. 8 is a component diagram illustrating aspects of a patientmonitoring device like the is patient monitoring device in FIG. 1

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating actions that may be performed whentriggering alerts in a patient monitoring system like the system of FIG.1

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Illustrated in FIG. 1 is one example of components that may be includedin a patient monitoring system 100. In this example, a monitoring system100 includes a patient monitoring device 108 for detecting movements,combinations of movements, positional changes, and other patientactivities or events that may indicate a patient is standing up, movingaround, or about to fall. Monitoring device 108 may be coupled to apatient 120, for example, in a belt, an ankle bracelet, an armband, oras part of article of clothing such as a sock 122, shirt, gown, and thelike. As shown in FIG. 1, monitoring device 108 is mounted to a sockworn on a patient's foot which may be configured to cover one or more ofan ankle region 140, a heel region 142, and a toe region 144, or anycombination thereof In other examples, the monitoring device may bemounted to other articles of clothing on other locations of a patient'sbody such as on a sleeve adjacent an arm or on a belt at the waistinstead of, or in addition to, being worn in the ankle region.

Patient monitoring device 108 may communicate information with servers,databases, and/or other computers such as computers 106. Thesecommunications may be carried from monitoring device 108 to otherdevices using a communications links like communications links 116, and118 that may also use a network 110. In one example, a computer 106 maybe configured to discover what patient monitoring devices 108 are nearbyusing network 110, and may be configured to allow a caregiver using acomputer 106 to select from which patient monitoring devices to monitorand receive alarm information.

Multiple circuits 130-138 may be included in sock 122 and electricallyconnected to terminals or contacts on monitoring device 108. Monitoringdevice 108 is held firmly in place relative to the circuits in the sockso that specific circuits 130-138 may be electrically connected tocorresponding terminals of the monitoring device. Circuits 130-138 mayalso be electrically connected to one or more sensors included in thesock that are configured to detect activities of the patient thusproviding signals representing output from the sensors to the monitoringdevice 108. Circuits 130-138 may, for example, include or be defined byone or more conductive threads woven into a portion of the fabric of thesock. In other examples, the circuits 130-138 may be attached to thefabric by weaving threads of the sock fabric through metallic traces, byadhering metallic traces to the sock fabric, or by any other suitablemethod.

An example of one or more sensors electrically connected to circuits130-138 is illustrated in FIG. 2 at 200. Pressure sensors 250-257 arepositioned on the sole or bottom of the sock 122. Any suitablepositioning arrangement of sensors is envisioned. For example, sensors250, 254, 255, and 256 are arranged and configured to detect changes inpressure toward the front of the foot on the padded portion of the solebetween the toes and the arch, sometimes referred to colloquially as“the ball of the foot”. Put another way, sensors 250, 254, 255, and 256are included in sock 122 at a location corresponding approximately withthe forward or anterior portion of the metatarsal bones of the foot.This may be advantageous because pressures may tend to be be highest inthis region of the foot. Pressures may vary laterally across this regionmeaning that pressures at the location of sensors 254 and 255 and may besomewhat lower than in the areas of sensors 250, and 256. Such apositioning of sensors can be advantageous because when standing,overall pressure on this region of the foot corresponds with supportinga significant portion of the weight a patient can place on the foot.Thus sensors 250, 254, 255, and 256 detecting changes in pressures inthis location which can be helpful in determining that a patient may bemoving to a standing position.

In another example also illustrated in FIG. 2, sensors 252 and 253 arepositioned toward the rear of the foot corresponding with a location onthe sole adjacent to the heel 142. In this example sensor 252 may bepositioned to detect pressure on the lateral hind foot region of thefoot, while sensor 253 may be positioned to detect changes in pressureon the medial hind foot region of the foot. These regions correspondapproximately with the talus and calcaneus bones of the foot.Positioning sensors in these general areas can be advantageous becauseas with the “ball of the foot”, overall pressure sensed at theselocations correspond to supporting a significant portion of the weightplaced on the foot by the patient. In some examples, about half of thepatient's weight may be supported by the ball of the foot while most ifnot all of the remaining weight may be supported by the heel.

Other sensors may also be positioned on the sole of sock 122 which maybe advantageous to further clarify whether a patient is moving to astanding position, walking, carrying excessive weight, and the like. Forexample, sensor 251 may be placed adjacent the midfoot regionapproximately corresponding with the cuneiform bones of the foot. Inanother example, sensor 253 may be placed on the sole of sock 122 tocorrespond with and measure pressure on the “big toe” or hallux of thefoot. Any suitable arrangement of pressure sensors may be included toregister pressures on other regions such as the individual toes, and thelike.

The sensors shown in FIG. 2 may be of any suitable type or construction.For example, sensors 250-257 may include piezoresistive fibers, which isto say, fibers which change resistance as the pressure exerted on themchanges. In one preferred embodiment, these resistive fibers may bewoven together with the threads of the fabric in the general area oflocations 250-257. Thus sensors 250-257 may alternatively be thought ofas regions of the garment fabric with increased sensitivity to changesin pressure resulting from the addition of resistive fibers. In otherexamples, a pressure sensor maybe be inserted into the garment at250-257 such as by removing a portion of the fabric and replacing itwith a sensor unit, or with other fabric that includes the resistivefibers. A pressure sensor may also be inserted into the fabric andmaintained between the inside and outside surfaces. In another example,the pressure sensors may be attached to the fabric such as by anadhesive or by other means. Thus pressure sensors may be included withthe fabric by any suitable technique, but preferably withoutsubstantially increasing the thickness of the garment fabric, and/orwithout adding heavy or bulky devices that are unpleasant for thepatient. Preferably, the sensors are mounted in a way that in anunobtrusive and comfortable.

Thus monitoring unit 303 may measure these changes in resistance anddetermine the pressure at each sensor location accordingly. However, anysuitable pressure sensing technology may be used. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, circuits 130-138 are arranged to provide sensory inputfrom sensors 250-257. Additional circuits may be included in the soleportion of sock 122 to facilitate the transfer of input to monitoringunit 108. For example circuits 230, 231, and 232 may be included inelectrically connected to circuits 130-138. Any suitable arrangement ofcircuitry may be used including those illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate aspects of a monitoring device like monitoringdevice 108 that may be positioned on a sock or other garment to detectand respond to changes in patient activity. In FIG. 3, a monitoringdevice 300 has a patient monitor 303 that can be held in place on thegarment by a base 306 which may also be referred to as a mounting unitor dock. Base 306 can be coupled to the garment allowing monitor 303 tobe maintained on the garment by then mounting the monitor 303 to thebase 306. This mounting may be achieved in any suitable manner includingany arrangement of retention members on the monitor and base. In oneexample, monitor 303 may be oriented by rotating on an axis 301 so thatflanges or ribs 313 extending out away from monitor 303 can pass throughopenings like opening 315 defined by the base. This allows a lower orinner portion of monitor 303 to be inserted into an open area defined bybase 306. Monitor 303 may then be rotated around axis 301 in a clockwisedirection to allow flanges 313 to be retained in place within channels318 also defined by the base. In this way, monitor 303 is mounted tobase 306 and can be selectively transitioned from a first unmountedposition to a second mounted position on or in base 306. Flanges 313 mayinclude locking members, such as a raised portion or ridge 325 thatextends toward a flange 313 to lock the flanges in place when themonitor is rotated into position. In another example, flanges 313 may bereplaced by or include threads engaging corresponding threads in thebase. Monitor 303 may be retained to base 306 by any suitable methodsuch as by fasteners inserted into the monitor and base, clips, clamps,snaps, and the like.

Monitor 303 and base 306 may be electrically connected together by anysuitable wired or wireless communication. For example, one or moreconductive wires or traces may be included in a circuit board 308 aspart of base 306 and configured to electrically connect withcorresponding terminals in the monitor unit 303. One example of one ormore such corresponding terminals is illustrated in FIG. 4 as terminals430-433. Terminals 430-433 extend toward base 306 from a frame 411. Theconductive traces may be arranged as shown in FIG. 3 where traces330-333 are positioned on circuit board 308 in a predetermined patternshown here as multiple circular traces extending outwardly from acentral location on the base unit. In this example, traces 330-333 arecentered on circuit board 308 in a location corresponding to axis 301thus allowing pins of multiple terminals extending from the monitor 303toward the base 306 to individually electrically connect to the traces.When monitor 303 is inserted and rotated into a locked position, theterminals remain in contact with the traces regardless of the angularposition or rotation orientation of the monitor with respect to thebase. Thus multiple circuits within the monitor 303 can separatelyconnect electrically with multiple circuits in the base 306 whileallowing the monitor to be selectively separable from the base.

Other aspects of monitor 303 appear in FIG. 4. A cover 407 may beincluded and positioned over frame 411 to coincide with central axis301. Cover 407 may be coupled to frame 411 by any suitable means such asby fasteners such as clips, screws, or pins, or by glue or otheradhesives. Additionally, an over-mold 403 may be optionally included andpositioned over cover 407.

One example of components that may be included in base 306 appears inFIG. 5. A chassis 501 may be included that can be coupled to a pad 545.Between the chassis and the pad, a circuit board 308 may be aligned withother components of the base on axis 301. Circuit board 308 may alsodefine alignment holes or slots 503 and 504 which may be included atlocations on circuit board 308 and indexed by alignment pins 513 and 514in pad 545. Alignment pins 513 and 514 thus define alignment axes 505and 506 respectively providing points of reference for components ofbase 306 to be properly positioned with respect to one another.

A protective cover 502 may be included to protect the fabric that base306 is mounted to from being damaged by electrical contacts orcomponents mounted to circuit board 308. In another aspect, theprotective cover 502 may be useful for protecting the circuit board 308.For example, cover 502 may be formed of or include an electricallyinsulative material to reduce or eliminate electrical exchange betweenthe fabric of a sock or other garment and the circuitry in circuit board308. Protective cover 502 may define holes or slots 509 and 510 whichalso may align with alignment pins 513 and 514 along alignment axes 505and 506.

Pins 513 and 514 may also be configured to retain pad 545 adjacentchassis 501 thus allowing chassis 501 to be selectively separated frompad 545. For example, pins 513 and 514 may engage retention members inchassis 501 to firmly clamp fabric between the pad and chassis. Suchretention members in the chassis may be clips, friction fittings, orthreaded receptacles in the case where pins 513 and 514 include threadsand can be rotated to tighten the pins into the receptacles. Whenseparated, chassis 501 may include circuit board 308 and protectivesheath 503 while the remaining components may be separated together aspart of pad 545.

Pad 545 may also include a pin array including one or more pins orstuds, examples of which include pins 520-523. The pins in the array mayextend outwardly from a pin mount 542 of pad 545 towards chassis 501 andmay engage the chassis at one or more corresponding holes, slots, orchannels defined by the chassis 501. These channels may includeconductive terminals allowing an electrical connection to be madebetween the pins and interior portions of chassis 501.

FIG. 6 illustrates at 600 a cross sectional view of one example of amonitoring unit mounted on a garment such as a sock. The monitoring unit303 includes a battery 603 for providing power to a control module 604.Control module 604 may include additional sensors, processing logic, andthe like, for detecting patient activities and alerting caregivers.Additional circuitry or electronics may be included as well, which isdiscussed in further detail below.

Fabric 605 may include one or more sensors such as pressure sensorsdiscussed above with respect to FIG. 2. A concentration of piezoresistive threads woven into fabric 625 operating as a pressure sensoris shown at 620. In this example, the sensor has a thickness illustratedat 630, that is less than or equal to the thickness of fabric 605 shownat 631. This type of low-profile arrangement is advantageous because thesensor is less noticeable to the user and more comfortable. In anotherexample, a pressure sensor 621 is mounted to an outside surface offabric 605. This example is less preferable because the thickness ofsensor 621 shown at 632 is greater than the thickness of the fabric.Such an arrangement can be used successfully, but is less advantageousbecause it is more noticeable to the person wearing the garment.Regardless of construction, sensor input from sensors in fabric 605(like 620 and 621) may be relayed to control module 604 for processingby any suitable means such as by conductive threads woven into fabric605, by traces fastened to the fabric, or by other means as discussedabove.

Positioning fabric 605 of the sock between protective sheath 503 and pad545 thus clamps the fabric between the pad and the chassis 501 of thebase 306. For example, a caregiver may reach inside the garment andposition the pad 545 in the proper place aligning pins 520 and 523 sothat they pass through fabric 605 in the proper locations toelectrically connect to traces or other conductive circuitry included ingarment. The caregive presses the pad against the fabric so that pins onthe pad such as pins 520 and 523 pass through fabric 605. The caregiverthen arranges the chassis 501 on the outside of the garment and orientsit to align the pins with openings defined by chassis 501 beforesecuring the pad and chassis together with the garment fabric between.

Circuits in the fabric 605 may then carry electrical signals from thecircuitry, through the fabric, and into the monitoring unit 303. Thiscommunication is facilitated by conductive terminals 611 and 617 whichmay be electrically connected to circuit board 308. Traces on (or in)circuit board 308 carry the signals to traces 333 which is are incontact with terminal 430 of the monitoring unit 303. Thus controlmodule 604 is electrically connected to the sensors in the fabric 605.This configuration minimizes or eliminates movement of fabric 605relative to the base 306 allowing conductive leads or traces in fabric605 to be maintained in the proper position relative to pins in the padwithout the need for studs or pins to be mounted in fabric 605 directly.

An example of this is further illustrated in FIG. 7 at 700 where fabric702 is shown with multiple pins 708 penetrating through the fabric asdiscussed above with respect to FIG. 6. FIG. 7 illustrates how a padlike pad 545 in FIG. 6 might appear as the patient monitoring unit isinstalled on a patient garment. As noted above, the pad is placed behindor inside the garment and pressed into place so that pins 708 passthrough the fabric of the garment. The caregiver positions the pins 708in accordance with the conductive circuits 750-756 which may be woveninto or otherwise included in the fabric. This allows the unittoelectrically connect to sensor elements also included in the fabric asdiscussed above. Fabric 702 optionally includes contact regions 710-716which are electrically connected to circuits 750-756 with each circuitterminating in a separate contact region as shown (e.g. patch 710 isconnected to circuit 751, patch 716 to circuit 756, and so forth). Thisarrangement may be included to aid in positioning pins 708 toelectrically connect to circuits 750-756 allowing circuits 750-756 to besmaller or narrower possibly reducing cost and/or perhaps increasingaesthetic appeal. In another aspect, regions 710-716 may define holesthrough which pins 708 can pass to aid in proper alignment andelectrical conductivity. In those cases where the fabric 702 does notinclude contact regions associated with circuits 710-716, the circuitsthemselves may include such holes.

Once the pad is inserted through the fabric with the proper pinalignment, and the chassis portion of the base unit is secured in placeover the pins, the fabric 702 is secured in place by the penetration ofthe pins, and by the friction created by the clamping action of the padand chassis on opposite sides of the fabric. The compressions forcesbetween the pad and chassis are created at least in part because thesurfaces in contact with the fabric are substantially planar. Stretchingand displacement of fabric 702 held between the pad and chassis andadjacent the pins 708 is thus minimized or eliminated. This allowsdimensions such as at 720 between two contact patches 710 and 711, ordimension 722 between two circuits 751 and 752 to be carefullymaintained to reduce or eliminate the opportunity for short circuits.The clamping action of the base and pad also reduces stress on thefabric at the points where the pins 708 pass through. Maintaining thefabric in the proper position reduces or eliminates changes to otherdimensional aspects such as the distance between a contact patch and acircuit at 724, the distance between a contact patch and an adjacent pinat 721, and the distance between a circuit and a pin at 723 to name afew non-limiting examples.

Thus positioning of conductive traces or circuits in fabric 702 may bearranged in a specific predetermined pattern which may involve closespatial tolerances without the added complexity of mounting pins intothe fabric 702 itself. As illustrated herein, the conductive pins 708are mounted to a pad behind the fabric and configured to pass throughfrom one side to the other. Production as well as care and maintenanceof the fabric are thus reduced without the added stress pointsintroduced by mounting pins in the fabric itself.

The pattern of circuits and patches illustrated in FIG. 7 follows asubstantially circular ring, but any suitable pattern may be used (e.g.a single row of pins, rows of pins at right angles such as in a “cross,”a rectangle arrangement, rows of pins in a grid pattern, rows of pinsfollowing a curved path such as an arc, and the like). Other patternsmay require a different arrangement of traces or circuits in the fabric,and possibly a different chassis with a corresponding shape, or withcorresponding arrangements of channels, slots, or holes to accommodatethe pins.

Additional detail of the software, hardware, and data aspects of asystem like the one illustrated in FIG. 1 is further illustrated in FIG.8. As noted in FIG. 6, the monitor may include any suitable electroniccomponents for monitoring patient activity. Such components may includea battery 603 and a control module 605. FIG. 8 illustrates at 800 oneexample of hardware and software that may be included in a controlmodule like control module 605. A control module may generally includehardware 802, software 804, and may optionally include a local datastore 806. Any suitable arrangement of hardware or software modules maybe used.

Hardware 802 may include a processor 808 which may be programmed toperform various tasks discussed herein related to monitoring patientactivity. Processor 808 may be coupled to other aspects of hardware 802such as sensors, memory, and the like to perform these tasks. Memory 802may be included for storing operating values or parameters which mayinclude intermediate or final values of calculations, logical orcomputational instructions for processor 808, or hardware controlparameters. Memory 802 may also store patient monitoring informationsuch as patient related events in an event log 838, sensor data 836obtained from sensors coupled to the patient monitoring device, and/orpatient profiles 844 for controlling how data about patient activity iscollected and analyzed. Memory 802 may be either a permanent or “static”memory, or a temporary or “dynamic” memory, or any combination thereof.

An antenna 812 may be included to facilitate wireless communicationsover a communication link like communication link 118. A networkinginterface 816 may be included to process communications with otherdevices in the system communicated using a network such as network 110.Wireless transceiver 814 may be included and may use antenna 812 orother suitable hardware 802 to transmit and receive information betweencontrol module 800 and other devices in the patient monitoring systemsuch as servers, data stores, and/or computers like computers 106.

Control module 800 may include one or more sensors such as a motionsensor 818 configured to detect a patient's movements. Motion sensor 818may be any suitable device or devices responsive to the movement of thepatient and may include, for example, one or more accelerometers todetect movement in multiple axes relative to gravity, and/or one or moregyroscopic sensors for detecting changes in angular momentum and/or anangle of elevation. Motion sensor 818 may be used to detect when apatient changes position to get out of bed, or abruptly falls to thefloor from a standing position, or from a supporting structure such as abed, chair, wheelchair, and the like.

Hardware 802 may also include proximity sensor 820 configured togenerate signals based on distance from a target object or location. Forexample, a sensor target object such as a magnet, a radio transmitter,or other target may be positioned in or adjacent to a chair or bed, orother reference point. Proximity sensor 820 may determine the distancebetween sensor 820 and the sensor target and provide this information asa time varying signal to other software or hardware components ofcontrol module 800. For example, this proximity data may be processed byprocessor 808 according to software 804 and used to determine when apatient has traveled beyond a predetermined threshold distance from thesensor target as defined in the patient's profile.

A pressure sensor 824 may also be included, and may be useful fordetecting changes in the distribution of pressure on a patient's body.For example, pressure sensor 824 may detect an increase in pressure inone body part, and a decrease in pressure in another as a patient movesfrom laying down to being seated upright. Pressure sensor 824 may alsodetect rapid drop in pressure on a particular body part when a patientis falling, and a subsequent rapid increase in pressure when the patientlands abruptly on a support surface such as the floor or the ground.

The temperature sensor 822 may also be included to provide furtherinformation about patient's location, position, and/or overall health.For example temperature sensor may be useful for determining when apatient removes the sensor from their body, when a patient moves outsidea facility, or enters an environment that causes a large change in thepatient's temperature, or in the temperature of the environment.

Any of the sensors used by control module 800 such as sensors 818, 820,824, 822, and others, may be mounted inside or outside a housingcontaining some or all of the other hardware and software components.For example, patient monitoring sensors may be mounted outside acontainer or housing and may communicate with hardware and softwareinside the housing by any suitable communications link. For example,pressure sensor 824 may be woven into a patient's clothing such as intoa sock or gown, and may communicate with components of software 806 andhardware 802 mounted inside the housing via a wired or wirelesscommunications link. This communications link may be maintained aselectromagnetic signals traveling over wire leads, or through the air asradio waves using any suitable wireless communication technology.

These hardware aspects of control module 800 may be configured tooperate according to instructions included in software 804. Theseinstructions may be logically or conceptually arranged as modules forcontrolling different functional aspects of the patient monitoringdevice. Functional aspects generally include obtaining, storing, andprocessing data from multiple sensors, detecting patient activity,determining when to send alert notices to other parts of the system,retrieving or updating patient profile information, and/or sendingsensor data to a central archive to improve the performance of patientmonitoring devices throughout the system.

Software 804 may include an alarm module 826 configured to send alarmrelated messages, events, or data to other parts of patient monitoringsystem 100. Alarm module 826 may determine when to send alertinformation notifying caregivers when a change in a patient's situationwarrants immediate investigation. Alarm module 826 may include rules fordetermining under what circumstances an alert should be sent. In oneexample, alarm module 826 uses a patient profile 844 that has one ormore patient related parameters with corresponding predeterminedthreshold values. These values may be used to determine when patientactivity warrants further investigation.

Examples of alarm rules include a pressure rule that is triggered whensignals are received from alarm module 826 that indicate changes inposition or other activity that may have caused pressure differentialsin the patient's feet or other monitored locations that are outside thepredetermined threshold values in a patient profile 844. Such pressuresensor rules, when triggered, configure control module 800 to send analert indicating that changes in the pressure distribution of apatient's weight relative to a support surface no longer match thepredetermined patient profile. In one example, the patient has beenprescribed bed rest resulting in a predetermined target distribution ofweight across the patient's back and legs stored in patient profile.This weight distribution may be periodically or continuously detected bypressure sensor 824 as signals sent from the pressure sensor to otherparts of patient monitoring device for processing and storage. When apatient moves, such as to an upright seated position, pressure sensor824 may begin sending different signals indicating a differentdistribution of weight that no longer matches the patient's profile. Arule in alarm module 826 may then be triggered to send data, message, anevent, or any other suitable series of instructions or data to otherparts of the patient monitoring system indicating that the patient haschanged position.

In another example, alarm module 826 may include motion rules that maybe triggered when motion sensor 818 indicates movement that fallsoutside the predetermined threshold values in patient profile 844 thatare related to motion. Such motion related parameters in the patientprofile 844 may include any combination of movement in general areassuch as the patient's extremities, torso, or in specific areas such asmovement of the head and neck, movement of an arm and/or leg, and thelike. Such movement may include changes in the speed, acceleration, orangle of incidence relative to gravity for a give part of the patient'sbody. Patient profile 844 may be stored in memory 810 along with otherrelevant data and may be used to maintain these parameters which may begeneric to many patients, or specific to the particular patient wearingcontrol module 800.

In another example, the alarm module 826 may include proximity rulesthat are triggered when a patient travels beyond a predetermineddistance from a target location such as a bed, chair, or othersupporting surface. For example, proximity sensor 820 may send signalscontinuously or at regular intervals to control module 800 indicatingthe range to the target object. When the patient moves, proximity sensor820 may send different signals indicating a change in distance to thesensor target. The rule in alarm module 826 may be triggered to sendinformation to other parts of the patient monitoring system in the eventthat proximity sensor 820 indicates a range from the sensor target thatexceeds a predetermined threshold in the patient's profile 844.

In yet another example, alarm module 826 may include motion sensor rulesthat when triggered, configures control module 800 to send alerts whenthe patient's movements do not match the patient's profile. Using motionsensor 818, patient's movements may be periodically or continuouslyprocessed by control module 800 as signals from the motion sensor changeover time. At some point, patient's movements may change causing motionsensor 818 to send signals indicating a movement or series of movementsthat no longer match the patient's profile. A motion sensor rule inalarm module 826 may then be triggered to send event data to other partsof the patient monitoring system indicating that the patient's movementssuggest activity that is outside the patient's predetermined thresholdsin the patient's profile and thus may be or detrimental to the patient.

Alarm module 826 may be programmed with any suitable series of rulescomparing the current state of control module 800 to one or morepredetermined threshold values. For example, alarm module 826 mayinclude rules that are triggered based on combinations of input frommultiple sensors received over time. These combinations may be definedin a monitoring rule, or in patient profile 844. In this way, one ormore combinations of signals from one or more sensors may be consideredover specific time intervals allowing for more complex considerations ofdata received from motion sensor 818, pressure sensor 824, temperaturesensor 822, proximity sensor 820, and any other sensors that may beemployed.

In another example, alarm module 826 may be configured with one or morestatus related rules. Such rules may include a wireless networking ruleconfigured to trigger when wireless transceiver 814 reports signalstrength from nearby wireless devices has fallen below a predeterminedthreshold. Another status rule may include a battery monitoring ruleconfigured to trigger when the state of charge for a battery 840 isbelow a predetermined threshold. Others such status rules may include anerror reporting rule configured to trigger when a hardware or softwareerror condition occurs, when available storage capacity in memory 810 isbelow a predetermined threshold, and the like.

Alarm module 826 may also be programmed to include an alert level,severity level, level of importance, or other similar flag or indicatorto assist the patient monitoring system in prioritizing, categorizing,or managing the response to alarms or alerts that may be raised. Alarmmodule 826 may include rules for calculating this priority level. Forexample, an alarm rule may be configured to set the severity level of analarm to indicate a high degree of importance in the case where aparticular threshold value (e.g. patient's movements) exceeds parametersset in the patient's profile by greater than a predetermined severitylevel threshold. Priority levels may be indicated in any suitablefashion such as a range of numbers zero through nine or zero through ahundred and the like, or a “high”, “medium”, and “low” indicator.

For example, if a patient's movements exceed parameters in the patientprofile by less than 10%, alarm module 826 may generate an alarm withthe severity level that is at a lower level such as zero or one or“low”. When the patient's movements exceed the upper range of apatient's profile by for example 10-30%, a higher level may be assignedsuch as a three, or four or a “medium” indicator may be used. Forsituations where patient movement exceeds the patient's profileparameters by greater than 30%, a “high” indication may be assigned tothe alert information, or a value such as eight or nine. This is but onenon-limiting example as any suitable scheme for prioritizing alarminformation may be used.

Profile module 828 may be configured to accept or modify or otherwisemaintain a patient profile 844. Patient profile 844 may include multipleparameters detailing information about the patient, the patient'streatment plan, and other information useful to control module 800 andthe rest of patient monitoring system 100. A patient profile may includeany information about the patient useful for predicting and preventingpatient falls. Such information may include detailed patientmeasurements such as medical condition, height, weight, bodycomposition, treatment plans, drug regimens, and the like. It may alsoinclude demographic information such as sex, race, and the like.

For example, a patient profile may include parameters indicating whethera patient should be allowed to move away from a supporting surface suchas a bed or chair, whether the patient should be allowed to assume aparticular posture or position such as standing, walking, sitting,laying down (left and/or right side), and the like. A patient's profilemay indicate under what circumstances a patient may leave the room, orhow often the patient should be repositioned in place.

Parameters, or parameter ranges may be specified in any suitable formatsuch as numbers, letters, binary data, and the like. For exampleparameters may be organized to correspond with input values required byone or more rules in alarm module 826. In another example, patientparameters may be configured to correspond with output ranges ofspecific sensors or combination of sensors used by control module 800.The patient parameters may be thought of as predetermined thresholdvalues that may be compared to sensor or other data according to a rule.These predetermined threshold values may be specific values or ranges ofvalues, with or without accompanying tolerances. Such values may benumerical, textual, or any combination thereof.

An event capture module 830 may be configured to collect available eventrelated information to send out to other parts of patient monitoringsystem when an event occurs. This information may include a snapshot ofthe patient's present condition and state as determined by the sensorsin control module 800. A current reading from the motion sensor 818,proximity sensor 820, pressure sensor 824, temperature sensor 822,and/or the state of various subsystems in control module 800 such asbattery 840, memory 810, or any combination thereof. Event data may alsoinclude the rule triggered, date and time stamp, and the like.

Event capture module 830 may collect event information when alarm istriggered, or periodically to provide patient monitoring system 100 withan ongoing regular status update of the patient's condition, position,activity, and the like. Event capture module may include rules specificto general event capture irrespective of whether an alarm state hasoccurred. For example, an event capture rule may store event informationin an event log 838 in memory 810 when patient activity occurs but isnot outside the parameters specified for such activity in patientprofile 844. This may be advantageous in providing “baseline” values forthe state of a patient leading up to an alarm condition when it occurs.Event data may be stored in event log 838 and transferred to a remotedata store.

Other contextual information may be collected as well and sent alongwith an alert or event update. Such contextual information may includesignals or other data received from sensors or other parts of controlmodule 800 for a predetermined time period prior to the alert beingsent. For example the alarm module may collect all data obtained orreceived by control module 800 for the last 60 seconds before the alertwas sent, for the last five minutes before the alert was sent, for thelast half an hour, or for some period of time greater than a half anhour. In another example, the transmission of data may be based on anumber of events rather than a specific period of time. This data mayinclude all available monitoring data, or some portion of the data asdetermined by the triggered rule, or by alarm module itself to 826.

In one example, when a motion sensor rule is triggered, the rule may beconfigured to collect the preceding two minutes of motion sensor dataand/or the preceding five minutes of pressure sensor data to be sentwith the alarm message. In another example, alarm module 826 may beconfigured to collect the preceding five minutes of data from somesensors (e.g. pressure sensor, proximity sensor, and or motion sensor)but not others (e.g. temperature sensor). In another example, storeddata from all sensors may be collected by 826 after a predeterminednumber of events have been detected and stored from a number ofdifferent sensors. This kind of “pre-alarm” data may be used by otherparts of patient monitoring system to detect patterns of sensor datathat indicate certain patient activity is imminent or to determineprobabilities of false positives and false negatives. This informationcan be used to refine when rules should trigger.

Assembled data may be organized into an alarm message which may includethe current snapshot of the patient's condition and any otherinformation related to the alarm that may be useful to other parts ofthe patient monitoring system. The message may be transmitted over acommunication link using networking interface 816 to be processed by aremote server, or seen by an operator at a computer such as computer106. Alternatively or addtionally, the data may be stored in remote datastore along with associated sensor data.

Control module 832 may be included to organize the operations ofsoftware 804 and/or hardware 802. Control module 832 may be configuredto initialize the activity of control module 800 such as going through abasic startup and testing procedure, running through algorithms orsubroutines to locate and communicate with remote servers or databases,or other computers like computer 106, and/or other devices in thepatient monitoring system. Control module may then begin one or morecontrol loops periodically or continuously obtaining sensor data fromone or more sensors in the patient monitoring device such as pressuresensor 824, motion sensor 818, proximity sensor 820, and or temperaturesensor 822 or others. Control module 832 may be thought of as a“controller” that controls the operation of patient control module 800.

A communication module 834 may be included as well. Communication module834 may be configured to open and maintain communication links tovarious other parts of the patient monitoring system such remote serversor databases, and others. Communication module 834 may be configured toimplement any suitable digital, analog, or other communication schemeusing any suitable networking, or control protocol. Communication module834 may engage or use networking module 842 to open, maintain and managecommunication links with other aspects of the patient monitoring systemvia network.

In one example, communications module 834 may be configured toautomatically establish communication link 118 with network 110. Patientcontrol module 800 may be configured to operate according to the IEEE802.15 wireless networking standard (sometimes referred to as a“Bluetooth” or Wireless Personal Area Network or “WPAN”). In thisexample, communications module 834 may automatically interact withrouters, switches, network repeaters or network endpoints, and the liketo establish a communications link 118, and/or 112 so that event updatesmay be automatically configured to pass to a remote server where theymay be processed and distributed. Communications module 834 may beimplemented to use any combination of Generic Access Profile (GAP),Generic Attribute Profile (GATT), and/or Internet Protocol SupportProfile (IPSP) protocols to acquire and maintain communications withremote servers, databases or computers.

Control module 800 may maintain data 806 which may include sensor data836, event log 838, and one or more patient profiles 844. Data 806 mayinclude diagnostic information, timestamps and other contextualinformation related to actions taken by patient control module 800,alarm messages sent, raw sensor data, and the like. Data 806 may beaccessed by other software or hardware in patient monitoring system 108.Data 806 may be periodically refreshed or deleted to optimize use ofmemory 810.

Stored patient profiles 844 may include default parameter values generalto many patients, or parameter values specific to one patient. Theseparameter values may be refreshed periodically from time to time such asby a firmware upgrade, by replacing a memory card, or via communicationslink 118. Profile parameters may be analyzed and processed on anothercomputer such as a remote server and periodically sent to patientcontrol module 800.

An example of the patient monitoring system in operation is illustratedin FIG. 9 at 900. At 902, the patient profile is initialized. This maybe performed by a caregiver using a computer 106 interacting with aremote server or database. An initial portion of patient information maybe retrieved from a remote server and display in a profile generation orinitialization interface for the caregiver to edit. The profileinitialization interface may also be configured to accept input from auser allowing the user to select a default profile based on defaultprofile options. A user may provide input selecting a profile and makingany adjustments to the default values for the profile parameters tomatch the parameters to that specific patient and the patient'streatment plan. When ready, the patient profile may be sent to a patientmonitoring device 108.

At 904, the patient monitoring device with the patient's profile may beactivated and “installed” or placed in an appropriate location tomonitor the patient's activities. Such appropriate locations include anylocation suitable for monitoring patient activity such as on or adjacenta patient's head, neck, torso, foot, arm, leg or other area. Themonitoring device, or parts thereof, may be installed in a bed, chair,or other supporting structure instead of, or in addition to beingmounted on the patient. In one example, the monitoring device may beworn by the patient, and at least one of the sensors may be included inthe patient's clothing such as in a sock or gown worn by the patient. Itmay be advantageous to positon the monitoring device, or any of thesensors associated with it, on a patient's extremity such as in a sockworn on a foot, in an armband worn on the wrist, or on the head, knee,or elbow to name a few other non-limiting examples. Such a position canresult in more noticeable changes in position that may be used to moreaccurately predict when a patient is making movements that may result ina fall.

When activated, the patient monitoring device 108 may begin obtainingsensor output at 906, and comparing the sensor output to the profileparameters at 908. If the output is within the limits of the parametersat 910, the monitoring device continues monitoring sensor readings takenat 906. These sensor readings may be sent to a remote server and/orsaved to remote data store, as well as transmitted to a specificcomputer of computers 106 periodically or continuously, or to allcomputers 106 who are configured to retrieve them.

When the output for a sensor falls outside the threshold values definedby the parameters in the patient profile, an alert may be triggered at912. The alert may be sent from alarm module 826 and sent to theappropriate caregiver's computer 106. Details about the alarm may bedisplayed to the respective caregiver(s). If the alarm is confirmed tobe valid at 914, the caregiver may provide input to that effect usingcomputer 106. If the alarm is confirmed to be false at 918, thecaregiver may acknowledge this as well using computer 106. The systemmay update the historical sensor and event related data at 920 allowingfor refinements to the profile parameter settings for future profiles toimprove and refine the system's overall knowledge of patient behavior,and/or to better avoid false alarms in the future. Adjustments to theprofile parameters may also be made by the caregiver and sent to themonitoring device 108 at 922 and the monitoring activities may continueat 906.

Glossary of Definitions and Alternatives

While the invention is illustrated in the drawings and described herein,this disclosure is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictivein character. The present disclosure is exemplary in nature and allchanges, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit ofthe invention are included. The detailed description is included hereinto discuss aspects of the examples illustrated in the drawings for thepurpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention. No limitation of the scope of the invention is therebyintended. Any alterations and further modifications in the describedexamples, and any further applications of the principles describedherein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in theart to which the invention relates. Some examples are disclosed indetail, however some features that may not be relevant may have beenleft out for the sake of clarity.

Where there are references to publications, patents, and patentapplications cited herein, they are understood to be incorporated byreference as if each individual publication, patent, or patentapplication were specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.

Singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, and the like include plural referentsunless expressly discussed otherwise. As an illustration, references to“a device” or “the device” include one or more of such devices andequivalents thereof.

Directional terms, such as “up”, “down”, “top” “bottom”, “fore”, “aft”,“lateral”, “longitudinal”, “radial”, “circumferential”, etc., are usedherein solely for the convenience of the reader in order to aid in thereader's understanding of the illustrated examples. The use of thesedirectional terms does not in any manner limit the described,illustrated, and/or claimed features to a specific direction and/ororientation.

Multiple related items illustrated in the drawings with the same partnumber which are differentiated by a letter for separate individualinstances, may be referred to generally by a distinguishable portion ofthe full name, and/or by the number alone. For example, if multiple“laterally extending elements” 90A, 90B, 90C, and 90D are illustrated inthe drawings, the disclosure may refer to these as “laterally extendingelements 90A-90D,” or as “laterally extending elements 90,” or by adistinguishable portion of the full name such as “elements 90”.

The language used in the disclosure are presumed to have only theirplain and ordinary meaning, except as explicitly defined below. Thewords used in the definitions included herein are to only have theirplain and ordinary meaning. Such plain and ordinary meaning is inclusiveof all consistent dictionary definitions from the most recentlypublished Webster's and Random House dictionaries. As used herein, thefollowing definitions apply to the following terms or to commonvariations thereof (e.g., singular/plural forms, past/present tenses,etc.):

“Antenna” or “Antenna system” generally refers to an electrical device,or series of devices, in any suitable configuration, that convertselectric power into electromagnetic radiation. Such radiation may beeither vertically, horizontally, or circularly polarized at anyfrequency along the electromagnetic spectrum. Antennas transmitting withcircular polarity may have either right-handed or left-handedpolarization.

In the case of radio waves, an antenna may transmit at frequenciesranging along electromagnetic spectrum from extremely low frequency(ELF) to extremely high frequency (EHF). An antenna or antenna systemdesigned to transmit radio waves may comprise an arrangement of metallicconductors (elements), electrically connected (often through atransmission line) to a receiver or transmitter. An oscillating currentof electrons forced through the antenna by a transmitter can create anoscillating magnetic field around the antenna elements, while the chargeof the electrons also creates an oscillating electric field along theelements. These time-varying fields radiate away from the antenna intospace as a moving transverse electromagnetic field wave. Conversely,during reception, the oscillating electric and magnetic fields of anincoming electromagnetic wave exert force on the electrons in theantenna elements, causing them to move back and forth, creatingoscillating currents in the antenna. These currents can then be detectedby receivers and processed to retrieve digital or analog signals ordata.

Antennas can be designed to transmit and receive radio wavessubstantially equally in all horizontal directions (omnidirectionalantennas), or preferentially in a particular direction (directional orhigh gain antennas). In the latter case, an antenna may also includeadditional elements or surfaces which may or may not have any physicalelectrical connection to the transmitter or receiver. For example,parasitic elements, parabolic reflectors or horns, and other suchnon-energized elements serve to direct the radio waves into a beam orother desired radiation pattern. Thus antennas may be configured toexhibit increased or decreased directionality or “gain” by the placementof these various surfaces or elements. High gain antennas can beconfigured to direct a substantially large portion of the radiatedelectromagnetic energy in a given direction that may be verticalhorizontal or any combination thereof.

Antennas may also be configured to radiate electromagnetic energy withina specific range of vertical angles (i.e. “takeoff angles) relative tothe earth in order to focus electromagnetic energy toward an upper layerof the atmosphere such as the ionosphere. By directing electromagneticenergy toward the upper atmosphere at a specific angle, specific skipdistances may be achieved at particular times of day by transmittingelectromagnetic energy at particular frequencies.

Other examples of antennas include emitters and sensors that convertelectrical energy into pulses of electromagnetic energy in the visibleor invisible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Examplesinclude light emitting diodes, lasers, and the like that are configuredto generate electromagnetic energy at frequencies ranging along theelectromagnetic spectrum from far infrared to extreme ultraviolet.

“Battery” generally refers to an electrical energy storage device orstorage system including multiple energy storage devices. A battery mayinclude one or more separate electrochemical cells, each convertingstored chemical energy into electrical energy by a chemical reaction togenerate an electromotive force (or “EMF” measured in Volts). Anindividual battery cell may have a positive terminal (cathode) with ahigher electrical potential, and a negative terminal (anode) that is ata lower electrical potential than the cathode. Any suitableelectrochemical cell may be used that employ any suitable chemicalprocess, including galvanic cells, electrolytic cells, fuel cells, flowcells and voltaic piles. When a battery is connected to an externalcircuit, electrolytes are able to move as ions within the battery,allowing the chemical reactions to be completed at the separateterminals thus delivering energy to the external circuit.

A battery may be a “primary” battery that can produce currentimmediately upon assembly. Examples of this type include alkalinebatteries, nickel oxyhydroxide, lithium-copper, lithium-manganese,lithium-iron, lithium-carbon, lithium-thionyl chloride, mercury oxide,magnesium, zinc-air, zinc-chloride, or zinc-carbon batteries. Suchbatteries are often referred to as “disposable” insofar as they aregenerally not rechargeable and are discarded or recycled afterdischarge.

A battery may also be a “secondary” or “rechargeable” battery that canproduce little or no current until charged. Examples of this typeinclude lead-acid batteries, valve regulated lead-acid batteries, sealedgel-cell batteries, and various “dry cell” batteries such asnickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-zinc (NiZn), nickel metal hydride (NiMH),and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.

“Beacon” or “beacon transmitter” generally refers to a system orapparatus configured to transmit data using electromagnetic energy. Thebroadcasted data may include any suitable data such as a string ofalphanumeric characters uniquely identifying one beacon from others inthe environment. Data may appear in a single field in a datagram, or inmultiple separate fields. Any suitable protocol may be used to createand transmit the datagrams using any suitable arrangement of fields. Thefields may include predetermined numbers of bits according toproprietary or commercially available protocols. One example of acommercially available protocol is the Bluetooth® LE (Low Energy)protocol, also referred to as Bluetooth® Smart protocol.

Datagrams may include one or more fields that may include a preamble,one or more header fields, an access address field, a CyclicalRedundancy Check (CRC) field, a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) field, a MediaAccess Control (MAC) address field, and a data field. The data field mayinclude an prefix and a proximity Universal Unique Identifier (UUID)which may be configured to distinguish beacons used by one organizationfrom those of another organization. Other data fields may include amajor field which may be used to identify multiple beacons as a group, aminor field which may uniquely identify a specific beacon within agroup, and a transmission power field which may indicate how far abeacon is from a receiver. The transmitter power field may include oneof a set of data values representing distance ranges such as“immediate”, “far”, or “out of range”. A transmission power field mayalso include more detailed ranging data such as the Received SignalStrength Indication (RSSI) of the beacon at a predetermined range suchas 1 meter away. This value may be compared to a current RSSI measuredby a receiver and used to calculate an approximate range.

A beacon may include a receiver allowing the beacon to beginbroadcasting after receiving a signal from another transmitter. In oneexample, a beacon may collect energy from the electromagnetic energydirected toward it and may use this energy to transmit its data inresponse. This type of “passive” beacon may only transmit when energizedto do so by some other transmitter. In another example, beacons may havea local power source such as a battery and may transmit continuouslyand/or at predetermined intervals. In either case, the data sent by thebeacon may pass through walls or other objects between the beacon and areceiver making it unnecessary to maintain an unobstructed line of sightbetween the to.

A beacon may transmit on any suitable frequency or group of frequenciesin the electromagnetic spectrum. For example, a beacon may transmit inthe Very High Frequency range (VHF), the Ultra High Frequency range(UHF), or in the Super High Frequency range (SHF). Transmissions from abeacon may be directed along a narrow beam by a directional antennasystem used by the beacon, or the beacon may use an omnidirectionalantenna system configured to broadcast the data in all directions atabout the same time.

The data may be programmed in a memory such as a nonvolatile memory inthe beacon for repeated transmission at predetermined intervals. Forexample, transmissions may be repeated up to about every 500 ms, up toabout every 2 seconds, up to about every 30 seconds, or at intervalsgreater than 30 seconds apart. Beacons may transmit at a very lowTransmitter Power Output (TPO) and/or Effective Radiated Power (ERP).TPO or ERP may be less than about 100 milliwatts, less than about 10milliwatts, or less than about 1 milliwatt.

“Circuit” generally refers to one or more conductive wires or tracesconnecting one or more individual electronic components, such asresistors, transistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, sensors, lamps,processors, controllers, and the like, through which electric currentcan flow. Circuit components can be connected by individual pieces ofwire or individual traces, or by interconnections created byphotolithographic techniques on a laminated substrate (e.g. a PrintedCircuit Board or PCB). Circuits can be microscopic and entirely orpartially encapsulated in a plastic, ceramic, or other insulativematerial. Such circuits are commonly referred to as “integrated”circuits (IC). In an integrated circuit or IC, the components andinterconnections may be formed on a semiconducting substrate such assilicon or gallium arsenide to name a few examples.

“Communication Link” generally refers to a connection between two ormore communicating entities and may or may not include a communicationschannel between the communicating entities. The communication betweenthe communicating entities may occur by any suitable means. For examplethe connection may be implemented as an actual physical link, anelectrical link, an electromagnetic link, a logical link, or any othersuitable linkage facilitating communication.

In the case of an actual physical link, communication may occur bymultiple components in the communication link configured to respond toone another by physical movement of one element in relation to another.In the case of an electrical link, the communication link may becomposed of multiple electrical conductors electrically connected toform the communication link.

In the case of an electromagnetic link, the connection may beimplemented by sending or receiving electromagnetic energy at anysuitable frequency, thus allowing communications to pass aselectromagnetic waves. These electromagnetic waves may or may not passthrough a physical medium such as an optical fiber, or through freespace, or any combination thereof. Electromagnetic waves may be passedat any suitable frequency including any frequency in the electromagneticspectrum.

A communication link may include any suitable combination of hardwarewhich may include software components as well. Such hardware may includerouters, switches, networking endpoints, repeaters, signal strengthenters, hubs, and the like.

In the case of a logical link, the communication link may be aconceptual linkage between the sender and recipient such as atransmission station in the receiving station. Logical link may includeany combination of physical, electrical, electromagnetic, or other typesof communication links.

“Communication node” generally refers to a physical or logicalconnection point, redistribution point or endpoint along a communicationlink. A physical network node is generally referred to as an activeelectronic device attached or coupled to a communication link, eitherphysically, logically, or electromagnetically. A physical node iscapable of sending, receiving, or forwarding information over acommunication link. A communication node may or may not include acomputer, processor, transmitter, receiver, repeater, and/ortransmission lines, or any combination thereof.

“Computer” generally refers to any computing device configured tocompute a result from any number of input values or variables. Acomputer may include a processor for performing calculations to processinput or output. A computer may include a memory for storing values tobe processed by the processor, or for storing the results of previousprocessing.

A computer may also be configured to accept input and output from a widearray of input and output devices for receiving or sending values. Suchdevices include other computers, keyboards, mice, visual displays,printers, industrial equipment, and systems or machinery of all typesand sizes. For example, a computer can control a network or networkinterface to perform various network communications upon request. Thenetwork interface may be part of the computer, or characterized asseparate and remote from the computer.

A computer may be a single, physical, computing device such as a desktopcomputer, a laptop computer, or may be composed of multiple devices ofthe same type such as a group of servers operating as one device in anetworked cluster, or a heterogeneous combination of different computingdevices operating as one computer and linked together by a communicationnetwork. The communication network connected to the computer may also beconnected to a wider network such as the internet. Thus a computer mayinclude one or more physical processors or other computing devices orcircuitry, and may also include any suitable type of memory.

A computer may also be a virtual computing platform having an unknown orfluctuating number of physical processors and memories or memorydevices. A computer may thus be physically located in one geographicallocation or physically spread across several widely scattered locationswith multiple processors linked together by a communication network tooperate as a single computer.

The concept of “computer” and “processor” within a computer or computingdevice also encompasses any such processor or computing device servingto make calculations or comparisons as part of the disclosed system.Processing operations related to threshold comparisons, rulescomparisons, calculations, and the like occurring in a computer mayoccur, for example, on separate servers, the same server with separateprocessors, or on a virtual computing environment having an unknownnumber of physical processors as described above.

A computer may be optionally coupled to one or more visual displaysand/or may include an integrated visual display. Likewise, displays maybe of the same type, or a heterogeneous combination of different visualdevices. A computer may also include one or more operator input devicessuch as a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, laser or infrared pointingdevice, or gyroscopic pointing device to name just a few representativeexamples. Also, besides a display, one or more other output devices maybe included such as a printer, plotter, industrial manufacturingmachine, 3D printer, and the like. As such, various display, input andoutput device arrangements are possible.

Multiple computers or computing devices may be configured to communicatewith one another or with other devices over wired or wirelesscommunication links to form a network. Network communications may passthrough various computers operating as network appliances such asswitches, routers, firewalls or other network devices or interfacesbefore passing over other larger computer networks such as the internet.Communications can also be passed over the network as wireless datatransmissions carried over electromagnetic waves through transmissionlines or free space. Such communications include using WiFi or otherWireless Local Area Network (WLAN) or a cellular transmitter/receiver totransfer data.

“Data” generally refers to one or more values of qualitative orquantitative variables that are usually the result of measurements. Datamay be considered “atomic” as being finite individual units of specificinformation. Data can also be thought of as a value or set of valuesthat includes a frame of reference indicating some meaning associatedwith the values. For example, the number “2” alone is a symbol thatabsent some context is meaningless. The number “2” may be considered“data” when it is understood to indicate, for example, the number ofitems produced in an hour.

Data may be organized and represented in a structured format. Examplesinclude a tabular representation using rows and columns, a treerepresentation with a set of nodes considered to have a parent-childrenrelationship, or a graph representation as a set of connected nodes toname a few.

The term “data” can refer to unprocessed data or “raw data” such as acollection of numbers, characters, or other symbols representingindividual facts or opinions. Data may be collected by sensors incontrolled or uncontrolled environments, or generated by observation,recording, or by processing of other data. The word “data” may be usedin a plural or singular form. The older plural form “datum” may be usedas well.

“Database” also referred to as a “data store”, “data repository”, or“knowledge base” generally refers to an organized collection of data.The data is typically organized to model aspects of the real world in away that supports processes obtaining information about the world fromthe data. Access to the data is generally provided by a “DatabaseManagement System” (DBMS) consisting of an individual computer softwareprogram or organized set of software programs that allow user tointeract with one or more databases providing access to data stored inthe database (although user access restrictions may be put in place tolimit access to some portion of the data). The DBMS provides variousfunctions that allow entry, storage and retrieval of large quantities ofinformation as well as ways to manage how that information is organized.A database is not generally portable across different DBMSs, butdifferent DBMSs can interoperate by using standardized protocols andlanguages such as Structured Query Language (SQL), Open DatabaseConnectivity (ODBC), Java Database Connectivity (JDBC), or ExtensibleMarkup Language (XML) to allow a single application to work with morethan one DBMS.

Databases and their corresponding database management systems are oftenclassified according to a particular database model they support.Examples include a DBMS that relies on the “relational model” forstoring data, usually referred to as Relational Database ManagementSystems (RDBMS). Such systems commonly use some variation of SQL toperform functions which include querying, formatting, administering, andupdating an RDBMS. Other examples of database models include the“object” model, the “object-relational” model, the “file”, “indexedfile” or “flat-file” models, the “hierarchical” model, the “network”model, the “document” model, the “XML” model using some variation ofXML, the “entity-attribute-value” model, and others.

Examples of commercially available database management systems includePostgreSQL provided by the PostgreSQL Global Development Group;Microsoft SQL Server provided by the Microsoft Corporation of Redmond,Wash., USA; MySQL and various versions of the Oracle DBMS, oftenreferred to as simply “Oracle” both separately offered by the OracleCorporation of Redwood City, Calif., USA; the DBMS generally referred toas “SAP” provided by SAP SE of Walldorf, Germany; and the DB2 DBMSprovided by the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) ofArmonk, N.Y., USA.

The database and the DBMS software may also be referred to collectivelyas a “database”. Similarly, the term “database” may also collectivelyrefer to the database, the corresponding DBMS software, and a physicalcomputer or collection of computers. Thus the term “database” may referto the data, software for managing the data, and/or a physical computerthat includes some or all of the data and/or the software for managingthe data.

“Display device” generally refers to any device capable of beingcontrolled by an electronic circuit or processor to display informationin a visual or tactile. A display device may be configured as an inputdevice taking input from a user or other system (e.g. a touch sensitivecomputer screen), or as an output device generating visual or tactileinformation, or the display device may configured to operate as both aninput or output device at the same time, or at different times.

The output may be two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and/or mechanicaldisplays and includes, but is not limited to, the following displaytechnologies: Cathode ray tube display (CRT), Light-emitting diodedisplay (LED), Electroluminescent display (ELD), Electronic paper,Electrophoretic Ink (E-ink), Plasma display panel (PDP), Liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), High-Performance Addressing display (HPA), Thin-filmtransistor display (TFT), Organic light-emitting diode display (OLED),Surface-conduction electron-emitter display (SED), Laser TV, Carbonnanotubes, Quantum dot display, Interferometric modulator display(IMOD), Swept-volume display, Varifocal mirror display, Emissive volumedisplay, Laser display, Holographic display, Light field displays,Volumetric display, Ticker tape, Split-flap display, Flip-disc display(or flip-dot display), Rollsign, mechanical gauges with moving needlesand accompanying indicia, Tactile electronic displays (aka refreshableBraille display), Optacon displays, or any devices that either alone orin combination are configured to provide visual feedback on the statusof a system, such as the “check engine” light, a “low altitude” warninglight, an array of red, yellow, and green indicators configured toindicate a temperature range.

“Electromagnetic Radiation” generally refers to energy radiated byelectromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic radiation is produced from othertypes of energy, and is converted to other types when it is destroyed.Electromagnetic radiation carries this energy as it travels moving awayfrom its source at the speed of light (in a vacuum). Electromagneticradiation also carries both momentum and angular momentum. Theseproperties may all be imparted to matter with which the electromagneticradiation interacts as it moves outwardly away from its source.

Electromagnetic radiation changes speed as it passes from one medium toanother. When transitioning from one media to the next, the physicalproperties of the new medium can cause some or all of the radiatedenergy to be reflected while the remaining energy passes into the newmedium. This occurs at every junction between media that electromagneticradiation encounters as it travels.

The photon is the quantum of the electromagnetic interaction, and is thebasic constituent of all forms of electromagnetic radiation. The quantumnature of light becomes more apparent at high frequencies aselectromagnetic radiation behaves more like particles and less likewaves as its frequency increases.

“Electromagnetic Waves” generally refers to waves having a separateelectrical and a magnetic component. The electrical and magneticcomponents of an electromagnetic wave oscillate in phase and are alwaysseparated by a 90 degree angle. Electromagnetic waves can radiate from asource to create electromagnetic radiation capable of passing through amedium or through a vacuum. Electromagnetic waves include wavesoscillating at any frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum including,but not limited to radio waves, visible and invisible light, X-rays, andgamma-rays.

“Input Device” generally refers to any device coupled to a computer thatis configured to receive input and deliver the input to a processor,memory, or other part of the computer. Such input devices can includekeyboards, mice, trackballs, touch sensitive pointing devices such astouchpads, or touchscreens. Input devices also include any sensor orsensor array for detecting environmental conditions such as temperature,light, noise, vibration, humidity, and the like.

“Location Finding System” generally refers to a system that tracks thelocation of objects or people in real time. Such systems include spacebased systems like the Global Positioning System (GPS) which may use areceiver on earth in communication with multiple satellite mountedtransmitters in space. Such systems may use time and the known positionof the satellites to triangulate a position on earth. The satellites mayinclude accurate clocks that are synchronized to each other and toground clocks. The satellites may be configured to continuously transmittheir current time and position. The ground-based receiver may monitormultiple satellites solving equations in real time to determine theprecise position of the receiver. Signals from four satellites may berequired for a receiver to make the necessary computations.

In another example sometimes referred to as “Real-time Locating Systems”(RTLS), wireless tags are attached to objects or worn by people.Receivers maintained at known, fixed reference points may receivewireless signals from the tags and use signal strength information todetermine their location.

The tags may communicate using electromagnetic energy which may includeradio frequency (RF) communication, optical, and/or acoustic technologyinstead of or in addition to RF communication. Tags and fixed referencepoints can be transmitters, receivers, or both. Location information mayor may not include speed, direction, or spatial orientation, and may insome cases be limited to tracking locations of objects within a buildingor contained area.

Wireless networking equipment may be engaged as well. In one example,known signal strength readings may be taken in different locationsserviced by a wireless network such as in 802.11 Wi-Fi network. Theseknown signal strength readings may be used to calculate or triangulateapproximate locations by comparing measured signal strength receivedfrom a tag against a stored database of Wi-Fi readings or ReceivedSignal Strength Indicators (RSSI). In this way, one or more probablelocations may be indicated a virtual map.

In another example, a wireless network transmitter may be configured tosend reference signal strength information in packets or datagramsreceived by the tags. The tags may be configured to measure and/orcalculate the actual signal strength of the signal received from thesending transmitter and compare this actual signal strength to referencesignal strength information to determine an approximate distance fromthe transmitter. This distance information may then be sent to otherservers or components in the location finding system and used totriangulate a more precise location for a given tag.

“Memory” generally refers to any storage system or device configured toretain data or information. Each memory may include one or more types ofsolid-state electronic memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory, justto name a few. Memory may use any suitable storage technology, orcombination of storage technologies, and may be volatile, nonvolatile,or a hybrid combination of volatile and nonvolatile varieties. By way ofnon-limiting example, each memory may include solid-state electronicRandom Access Memory (RAM), Sequentially Accessible Memory (SAM) (suchas the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) variety or the Last-In-First-Out(LIFO) variety), Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM), ElectronicallyProgrammable Read Only Memory (EPROM), or Electrically ErasableProgrammable Read Only Memory (EEPROM).

Memory can refer to Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) or any variants,including static random access memory (SRAM), Burst SRAM or Synch BurstSRAM (BSRAM), Fast Page Mode DRAM (FPM DRAM), Enhanced DRAM (EDRAM),Extended Data Output RAM (EDO RAM), Extended Data Output DRAM (EDODRAM), Burst Extended Data Output DRAM (REDO DRAM), Single Data RateSynchronous DRAM (SDR SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), DirectRambus DRAM (DRDRAM), or Extreme Data Rate DRAM (XDR DRAM).

Memory can also refer to non-volatile storage technologies such asnon-volatile read access memory (NVRAM), flash memory, non-volatilestatic RAM (nvSRAM), Ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), Magnetoresistive RAM(MRAM), Phase-change memory (PRAM), conductive-bridging RAM (CBRAM),Silicon-Oxide-Nitride-Oxide-Silicon (SONOS), Resistive RAM (RRAM),Domain Wall Memory (DWM) or “Racetrack” memory, Nano-RAM (NRAM), orMillipede memory. Other non-volatile types of memory include opticaldisc memory (such as a DVD or CD ROM), a magnetically encoded hard discor hard disc platter, floppy disc, tape, or cartridge media. The conceptof a “memory” includes the use of any suitable storage technology or anycombination of storage technologies.

“Module” or “Engine” generally refers to a collection of computationalor logic circuits implemented in hardware, or to a series of logic orcomputational instructions expressed in executable, object, or sourcecode, or any combination thereof, configured to perform tasks orimplement processes. A module may be implemented in software maintainedin volatile memory in a computer and executed by a processor or othercircuit. A module may be implemented as software stored in anerasable/programmable nonvolatile memory and executed by a processor orprocessors. A module may be implanted as software coded into anApplication Specific Information Integrated Circuit (ASIC). A module maybe a collection of digital or analog circuits configured to control amachine to generate a desired outcome.

Modules may be executed on a single computer with one or moreprocessors, or by multiple computers with multiple processors coupledtogether by a network. Separate aspects, computations, or functionalityperformed by a module may be executed by separate processors on separatecomputers, by the same processor on the same computer, or by differentcomputers at different times.

“Motion Sensor” generally refers to a device configured to convertphysical movement of an object into an electrical or signal. A motionsensor may be thought of as a transducer detecting physical movement andfrom it producing a signal (e.g. a time varying signal) based on thatmovement. A motion sensor may operate by detecting changes in itsposition relative to other objects by emitting and/or detectingelectromagnetic waves. Examples include ultrasonic, infrared, video,microwave, or other such motion detectors.

In another example, a motion sensor may operate by detecting changes inthe magnitude and direction of proper acceleration caused by gravity(“g-force”). Sometimes called “accelerometers,” these motion sensors candetect changes in g-forces on an object as a vector quantity, and can beused to sense changes in orientation (e.g. when the direction of weightchanges), coordinate acceleration (e.g. when it produces g-force or achange in g-force), vibration, shock, and/or falling in a resistivemedium. An accelerometer may thus be used to detect changes in theposition, orientation, and movement of a device.

Commercially available accelerometers include piezoelectric,piezoresistive and capacitive components. Piezoelectric accelerometersmay rely on piezoceramics (e.g. lead zirconate titanate) or singlecrystals (e.g. quartz, tourmaline). Piezoresistive accelerometers may bepreferred in high shock applications. Capacitive accelerometers may usea silicon micro-machined sensing element.

A motion sensor may include multiple accelerometers. Some accelerometersare designed to be sensitive only in one direction. A motion sensorsensitive to movement in more than one direction may be constructed byintegrating two accelerometers perpendicular to one another within asingle package. By adding a third device oriented in a plan orthogonalto two other axes, three axes can be measured.

“Multiple” as used herein is synonymous with the term “plurality” andrefers to more than one, or by extension, two or more.

“Network” or “Computer Network” generally refers to a telecommunicationsnetwork that allows computers to exchange data. Computers can pass datato each other along data connections by transforming data into acollection of datagrams or packets. The connections between computersand the network may be established using either cables, optical fibers,or via electromagnetic transmissions such as for wireless networkdevices.

Computers coupled to a network may be referred to as “nodes” or as“hosts” and may originate, broadcast, route, or accept data from thenetwork. Nodes can include any computing device such as personalcomputers, phones, servers as well as specialized computers that operateto maintain the flow of data across the network, referred to as “networkdevices”. Two nodes can be considered “networked together” when onedevice is able to exchange information with another device, whether ornot they have a direct connection to each other.

Examples of wired network connections may include Digital SubscriberLines (DSL), coaxial cable lines, or optical fiber lines. The wirelessconnections may include BLUETOOTH, Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WiMAX), infrared channel or satellite band, or anywireless local area network (Wi-Fi) such as those implemented using theInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) 802.11standards (e.g. 802.11(a), 802.11(b), 802.11(g), or 802.11(n) to name afew). Wireless links may also include or use any cellular networkstandards used to communicate among mobile devices including 1G, 2G, 3G,or 4G. The network standards may qualify as 1G, 2G, etc. by fulfilling aspecification or standards such as the specifications maintained byInternational Telecommunication Union (ITU). For example, a network maybe referred to as a “3G network” if it meets the criteria in theInternational Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specificationregardless of what it may otherwise be referred to. A network may bereferred to as a “4G network” if it meets the requirements of theInternational Mobile Telecommunications Advanced (IMTAdvanced)specification. Examples of cellular network or other wireless standardsinclude AMPS, GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE, LTE Advanced, Mobile WiMAX, andWiMAX-Advanced.

Cellular network standards may use various channel access methods suchas FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, or SDMA. Different types of data may be transmittedvia different links and standards, or the same types of data may betransmitted via different links and standards.

The geographical scope of the network may vary widely. Examples includea body area network (BAN), a personal area network (PAN), a low powerwireless Personal Area Network using IPv6 (6LoWPAN), a local-areanetwork (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network(WAN), or the Internet.

A network may have any suitable network topology defining the number anduse of the network connections. The network topology may be of anysuitable form and may include point-to-point, bus, star, ring, mesh, ortree. A network may be an overlay network which is virtual and isconfigured as one or more layers that use or “lay on top of” othernetworks.

A network may utilize different communication protocols or messagingtechniques including layers or stacks of protocols. Examples include theEthernet protocol, the internet protocol suite (TCP/IP), the ATM(Asynchronous Transfer Mode) technique, the SONET (Synchronous OpticalNetworking) protocol, or the SDE1 (Synchronous Digital Elierarchy)protocol. The TCP/IP internet protocol suite may include applicationlayer, transport layer, internet layer (including, e.g., IPv6), or thelink layer.

“Output Device” generally refers to any device or collection of devicesthat is controlled by computer to produce an output. This includes anysystem, apparatus, or equipment receiving signals from a computer tocontrol the device to generate or create some type of output. Examplesof output devices include, but are not limited to, screens or monitorsdisplaying graphical output, any projector a projecting deviceprojecting a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image, any kind ofprinter, plotter, or similar device producing either two-dimensional orthree-dimensional representations of the output fixed in any tangiblemedium (e.g. a laser printer printing on paper, a lathe controlled tomachine a piece of metal, or a three-dimensional printer producing anobject). An output device may also produce intangible output such as,for example, data stored in a database, or electromagnetic energytransmitted through a medium or through free space such as audioproduced by a speaker controlled by the computer, radio signalstransmitted through free space, or pulses of light passing through afiber-optic cable.

“Pad” or “patch” generally refers to a thin flat mat or cushion.Examples include a guard worn to shield body parts against abrasion orimpact, or to absorb liquids or other viscous materials. Any suitablematerial may be used in this context as a pad such as plastic, cloth,paper, thin metals, and the like.

As an element in a circuit, a pad or patch generally refers to a smallarea of electrically conductive material that may be electrically and/orphysically connected to a circuit. A pad may allow for physical as wellas electrical connection to the circuit such as by allowing a componentor trace to be soldered to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). A patch mayrefer to a pad that is attached to or incorporated into a fabric such asby weaving conductive threads into a specific predetermined area of thefabric. Pads or patches may be configured as a “surface mount” type withcircuits connecting to the pad on the same surface of the board orfabric as the pad, or a “through-hole” type where pins of the componentspass through the pad from one side to the other and are soldered,clamped in place, or otherwise maintained in position relative to thepad.

“Piezoresistive Effect” generally refers to an effect caused inPiezoresistive materials where the electrical resistance of the materialincreases as it is deformed. Examples of Piezoresistive materialsinclude Monocrystalline Silicon, Polysilicon Thin Film, Bonded MetalFoil, Thick Film, and Sputtered Thin Film. Generally, the strain gaugesare connected to form a Wheatstone bridge circuit to maximize the outputof the sensor and to reduce sensitivity to errors. This is the mostcommonly employed sensing technology for general purpose pressuremeasurement.

“Pin” generally refers to a thin piece of material often having asharpened point at one end for penetrating into and fastening to anothermaterial. A pin may have a head opposite the point that is blunt such asin the case of a nail, knitting needle, or sewing pin, or the opposingend of the pin may be attached to another item such as in the case of apin for an electronic connector mounted to a Printed Circuit Board(PCB). A pin may be made of any suitable material such as copper,aluminum, steel, plastic, wood, and the like. Pins are often elongatestructures with circular, ovular, rectangular, triangular, or any othersuitable cross section. Examples of pins include nails, staples, tacks,bolts, pegs, rivets, screws, safety pins, sewing needles, or pins in anelectronic connector, and the like.

“Personal computing device” generally refers to a computing deviceconfigured for use by individual people. Examples include mobile devicessuch as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, wearablecomputers installed in items worn on the human body such as in eyeglasses, watches, laptop computers, portable music/video players,computers in automobiles, or cellular telephones such as smart phones.Personal computing devices can be devices that are typically not mobilesuch as desk top computers, game consoles, or server computers. Personalcomputing devices may include any suitable input/output devices and maybe configured to access a network such as through a wireless or wiredconnection, and/or via other network hardware.

“Pressure Sensor” generally refers to a transducer configured to senseor detect a pressure local to the sensor. Types of pressure sensorsinclude, but are not limited to, sensors that measure absolute pressure,gauge pressure, vacuum pressure, or differences between two pressuresconnected to each side of the sensor (differential sensor).

Any suitable pressure sensing technology may be used including, but notlimited to, force collecting sensors which use a diaphragm, piston,bourdon tube, or bellows to measure strain or deflection due to appliedforce over an area. Examples of the force collector sensor include aPiezoresistive strain gauge which uses the piezoresistive effect ofbonded or formed strain gauges to detect strain due to applied pressure.Capacitive pressure sensors use a diaphragm and pressure cavity tocreate a variable capacitor to detect strain due to applied pressure,capacitance decreasing as pressure deforms the diaphragm. Commontechnologies use metal, ceramic, and silicon diaphragms. Electromagneticpressure sensors measure the displacement of a diaphragm by measuringchanges in inductance (reluctance), measuring changes in a position asmeasured by a Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT), measuringchanges in a Hall Effect, or by measuring changes in electrical currentcaused by eddy currents to name a few examples. Piezoelectric pressuresensors use the piezoelectric effect in certain materials such as quartzto measure the strain upon the sensing mechanism due to pressure.Optical pressure sensors include those that use the physical change ofan optical fiber to detect strain due to applied pressure. Some examplesof this type utilize Fiber Bragg Gratings. Another analogous techniqueutilizes an elastic film constructed in layers that can change reflectedwavelengths according to the applied pressure. Potentiometric pressuresensors use the motion of a wiper along a resistive mechanism to detectthe strain caused by applied pressure.

Other types of pressure sensors may use other properties (such asdensity) to infer pressure of a gas, or liquid. For example somepressure sensors may use the changes in a resonant frequency in asensing mechanism to measure stress, or changes in gas density, causedby applied pressure. This technology may be used in conjunction withother types of sensors such as force collectors discussed above.Alternatively, resonant technology may be employed by exposing theresonating element itself to the media, whereby the resonant frequencyis dependent upon the density of the media. Sensors have been made outof vibrating wire, vibrating cylinders, quartz, and silicon MEMS. Inanother example, pressure sensors such as the Pirani gauge may usechanges in thermal conductivity of a gas due to density changes tomeasure pressure. The pressure sensor such as a Hot And Cold Cathodegauge may also measure the flow of charged gas particles (ions) whichvaries due to density changes to measure pressure.

“Processor” generally refers to one or more electronic componentsconfigured to operate as a single unit configured or programmed toprocess input to generate an output. Alternatively, when of amulti-component form, a processor may have one or more componentslocated remotely relative to the others. One or more components of eachprocessor may be of the electronic variety defining digital circuitry,analog circuitry, or both. In one example, each processor is of aconventional, integrated circuit microprocessor arrangement, such as oneor more PENTIUM, i3, i5 or i7 processors supplied by INTEL Corporationof Santa Clara, Calif., USA. Other examples of commercially availableprocessors include but are not limited to the X8 and Freescale Coldfireprocessors made by Motorola Corporation of Schaumburg, Illinois, USA;the ARM processor and TEGRA System on a Chip (SoC) processorsmanufactured by Nvidia of Santa Clara, Calif., USA; the POWER7 processormanufactured by International Business Machines of White Plains, N.Y.,USA; any of the FX, Phenom, Athlon, Sempron, or Opteron processorsmanufactured by Advanced Micro Devices of Sunnyvale, Calif., USA; or theSnapdragon SoC processors manufactured by Qalcomm of San Diego, Calif.,USA.

A processor also includes Application-Specific Integrated Circuit(ASIC). An ASIC is an Integrated Circuit (IC) customized to perform aspecific series of logical operations is controlling a computer toperform specific tasks or functions. An ASIC is an example of aprocessor for a special purpose computer, rather than a processorconfigured for general-purpose use. An application-specific integratedcircuit generally is not reprogrammable to perform other functions andmay be programmed once when it is manufactured.

In another example, a processor may be of the “field programmable” type.Such processors may be programmed multiple times “in the field” toperform various specialized or general functions after they aremanufactured. A field-programmable processor may include aField-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) in an integrated circuit in theprocessor. FPGA may be programmed to perform a specific series ofinstructions which may be retained in nonvolatile memory cells in theFPGA. The FPGA may be configured by a customer or a designer using ahardware description language (HDL). In FPGA may be reprogrammed usinganother computer to reconfigure the FPGA to implement a new set ofcommands or operating instructions. Such an operation may be executed inany suitable means such as by a firmware upgrade to the processorcircuitry.

Just as the concept of a computer is not limited to a single physicaldevice in a single location, so also the concept of a “processor” is notlimited to a single physical logic circuit or package of circuits butincludes one or more such circuits or circuit packages possiblycontained within or across multiple computers in numerous physicallocations. In a virtual computing environment, an unknown number ofphysical processors may be actively processing data, the unknown numbermay automatically change over time as well.

The concept of a “processor” includes a device configured or programmedto make threshold comparisons, rules comparisons, calculations, orperform logical operations applying a rule to data yielding a logicalresult (e.g. “true” or “false”). Processing activities may occur inmultiple single processors on separate servers, on multiple processorsin a single server with separate processors, or on multiple processorsphysically remote from one another in separate computing devices.

“Proximity Sensor” generally refers to a sensor configured to generate asignal based on distance to a nearby object, or “target”, generallywithout requiring physical contact. Lack of mechanical physical contactbetween the sensor and the sensed object provides the opportunity forextra reliability and long functional life.

A proximity sensor may emit an electromagnetic field or a beam ofelectromagnetic radiation (e.g. infrared light, for instance), and thesensor may determine proximity based on changes in the field or returnsignal. The object being sensed is often referred to as the “target” or“sensor target”. Different proximity targets demand different sensors.For example, a capacitive or photoelectric sensor might be suitable fora plastic target; an inductive proximity sensor may require a metallictarget.

The maximum distance that a proximity sensor can detect the target isdefined as the sensor's “nominal range”. A sensor may begin to emit asignal, or may change the signal already emitted when the distance fromthe target to the sensor exceeds the nominal range. Some sensors allowfor adjustments to the nominal range, or may be configured to return ananalog or digital time varying signal based on changes on the distanceto the target in time.

“Receive” generally refer system be sent to the monitoring system s toaccepting something transferred, communicated, conveyed, relayed,dispatched, or forwarded. The concept may or may not include the act oflistening or waiting for something to arrive from a transmitting entity.For example, a transmission may be received without knowledge as to whoor what transmitted it. Likewise the transmission may be sent with orwithout knowledge of who or what is receiving it. To “receive” mayinclude, but is not limited to, the act of capturing or obtainingelectromagnetic energy at any suitable frequency in the electromagneticspectrum. Receiving may occur by sensing electromagnetic radiation.Sensing electromagnetic radiation may involve detecting energy wavesmoving through or from a medium such as a wire or optical fiber.Receiving includes receiving digital signals which may define varioustypes of analog or binary data such as signals, datagrams, packets andthe like.

“Receiver” generally refers to a device configured to receive, forexample, digital or analog signals carrying information viaelectromagnetic energy. A receiver using electromagnetic energy mayoperate with an antenna or antenna system to intercept electromagneticwaves passing through a medium such as air, a conductor such as ametallic cable, or through glass fibers. A receiver can be a separatepiece of electronic equipment, or an electrical circuit within anotherelectronic device. A receiver and a transmitter combined in one unit arecalled a “transceiver”.

A receiver may use electronic circuits configured to filter or separateone or more desired radio frequency signals from all the other signalsreceived by the antenna, an electronic amplifier to increase the powerof the signal for further processing, and circuits configured todemodulate the information received.

Examples of the information received include sound (an audio signal),images (a video to signal) or data (a digital signal). Devices thatcontain radio receivers include television sets, radar equipment,two-way radios, cell phones and other cellular devices, wirelesscomputer networks, GPS navigation devices, radio telescopes, Bluetoothenabled devices, garage door openers, and/or baby monitors.

“Rule” generally refers to a conditional statement with at least twooutcomes. A rule may be compared to available data which can yield apositive result (all aspects of the conditional statement of the ruleare satisfied by the data), or a negative result (at least one aspect ofthe conditional statement of the rule is not satisfied by the data). Oneexample of a rule is shown below as pseudo code of an “if/then/else”statement that may be coded in a programming language and executed by aprocessor in a computer:

if(clouds.areGrey( ) and (clouds.numberOfClouds > 100)) then { preparefor rain; } else { Prepare for sunshine; }

“Sensor” generally refers to a transducer configured to sense or detecta characteristic of the environment local to the sensor. For example,sensors may be constructed to detect events or changes in quantities orsensed parameters providing a corresponding output, generally as anelectrical or electromagnetic signal. A sensor's sensitivity indicateshow much the sensor's output changes when the input quantity beingmeasured changes.

“Sense parameter” generally refers to a property of the environmentdetectable by a sensor. As used herein, sense parameter can besynonymous with an operating condition, environmental factor, sensorparameter, or environmental condition. Sense parameters may includetemperature, air pressure, speed, acceleration, the presence orintensity of sound or light or other electromagnetic phenomenon, thestrength and/or orientation of a magnetic or electrical field, and thelike.

“Short Message Service (SMS)” generally refers to a text messagingservice component of phone, Web, or mobile communication systems. Ituses standardized communications protocols to allow fixed line or mobilephone devices to exchange short text messages. Transmission of shortmessages between a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) and personalcomputing device is done whenever using the Mobile Application Part(MAP) of the SS7 protocol. Messages payloads may be limited by theconstraints of the signaling protocol to precisely 140 octets (140octets * 8 bits/octet=1120 bits). Short messages can be encoded using avariety of alphabets: the default GSM 7-bit alphabet, the 8-bit dataalphabet, and the 16-bit UCS-2 alphabet. Depending on which alphabet thesubscriber has configured in the handset, this leads to the maximumindividual short message sizes of 160 7-bit characters, 140 8-bitcharacters, or 70 16-bit characters.

“Trace” or “track” generally refers to a conductive pathway in anelectrical circuit that allows electricity to flow from one electronicdevice to another. Examples include lines of conductive material in aPrinted Circuit Board (PCB) interconnecting components mounted to thePCB such as processors, memory, diodes, resistors, LEDs, and the like.Traces may include any suitable conductive material such as aluminum, orcopper. Traces may be microscopic in size such as in the case of amicrochip. Micro-sized traces used in this context are sometimesreferred to as “tracks.”

“Transmit” generally refers to causing something to be transferred,communicated, conveyed, relayed, dispatched, or forwarded. The conceptmay or may not include the act of conveying something from atransmitting entity to a receiving entity. For example, a transmissionmay be received without knowledge as to who or what transmitted it.Likewise the transmission may be sent with or without knowledge of whoor what is receiving it. To “transmit” may include, but is not limitedto, the act of sending or broadcasting electromagnetic energy at anysuitable frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum. Transmissions mayinclude digital signals which may define various types of binary datasuch as datagrams, packets and the like. A transmission may also includeanalog signals.

Information such as a signal provided to the transmitter may be encodedor modulated by the transmitter using various digital or analogcircuits. The information may then be transmitted. Examples of suchinformation include sound (an audio signal), images (a video signal) ordata (a digital signal). Devices that contain radio transmitters includeradar equipment, two-way radios, cell phones and other cellular devices,wireless computer networks and network devices, GPS navigation devices,radio telescopes, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips, Bluetoothenabled devices, and garage door openers.

“Transmitter” generally refers to a device configured to transmit, forexample, digital or analog signals carrying information viaelectromagnetic energy. A transmitter using electromagnetic energy mayoperate with an antenna or antenna system to produce electromagneticwaves passing through a medium such as air, a conductor such as ametallic cable, or through glass fibers. A transmitter can be a separatepiece of electronic equipment, or an electrical circuit within anotherelectronic device. A transmitter and a receiver combined in one unit arecalled a “transceiver”.

“Triggering a Rule” generally refers to an outcome that follows when allelements of a conditional statement expressed in a rule are satisfied.In this context, a conditional statement may result in either a positiveresult (all conditions of the rule are satisfied by the data), or anegative result (at least one of the conditions of the rule is notsatisfied by the data) when compared to available data. The conditionsexpressed in the rule are triggered if all conditions are met causingprogram execution to proceed along a different path than if the rule isnot triggered.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mounting assembly, comprising: a sock havingfabric, the sock adapted for a foot of a patient; one or more pressuresensors adapted and arranged to detect pressure applied by the foot,wherein one or more pressure sensors are included in the fabric of thesock; and a pad and a frame capturing a portion of the sock between thepad positioned on a first side of the fabric, and the frame positionedon a second side of the fabric, the pad having one or more pinsextending through the fabric and into at least a portion of the frame,wherein at least one of the pins is electrically connected to at leastone of the pressure sensors of the sock.
 2. The mounting assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the fabric includes conductive traces electricallyconnected to the one or more pressure sensors.
 3. The mounting assemblyof claim 2, wherein at least one of the one or more pins of the padpasses through one of the conductive traces.
 4. The mounting assembly ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the pressure sensors includes one ormore resistive threads woven into the fabric, and wherein the resistivethreads change resistance according to pressure applied to the sock. 5.The mounting assembly of claim 2, wherein the pad includes one or morepins extending through the fabric and into at least a portion of theframe, and wherein the pins are electrically connected to at least oneof the conductive traces.
 6. The mounting assembly of claim 5, whereinthe frame has one or more electrically conductive terminals electricallyconnected to at least one of the pins of the pad.
 7. The mountingassembly of claim 1, comprising: a control module mounted to the frame,the control module including: a processor electrically connected to atleast one of the pins that is electrically connected to at least one ofthe pressure sensors; a transmitter, wherein the processor is configuredto use the transmitter to transmit signals representing changes inpressure applied to the sock.
 8. The mounting assembly of claim 1,wherein the pad and frame are positioned on the sock adjacent an ankleof the foot.
 9. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the padincludes one or more retention members, and wherein the frame includespad mounting receptacles that receive and accept the retention membersof the pad that extend through the fabric to engage the pad mountingreceptacles.
 10. The mounting assembly of claim 7, wherein the framefurther comprises: one or more engagement members within a centralopening defined by the base; wherein the control module includescorresponding flanges configured to engage the engagement members; andwherein at least a portion of the control module extends into thecentral opening.
 11. The mounting assembly of claim 7, comprising: agyroscope sensor electrically connected to the processor and adapted todetect changes in angular velocity of the sock along three separateaxes; and an accelerometer electrically connected to the processor andadapted to detect changes in acceleration of the sock along the threeseparate axes.
 12. The mounting assembly of claim 11, the control modulefurther comprising: a memory for storing a patient profile; wherein theprocessor activates the gyroscope sensor and begins measuring changesreported by the one or more pressure sensors when changes inacceleration measured by the accelerometer exceed a predeterminedactivation threshold maintained in the patient profile; and wherein thecontrol module is configured to calculate a triggering value bycombining changes in at least the resistance of the resistive threads,the angular velocity, and the acceleration; and wherein the controlmodule is configured to send an alert message via a computer network ifthe triggering value exceeds a predetermined alert threshold maintainedby the patient profile.
 13. The mounting assembly of claim 7, thecontrol module further comprising: a proximity sensor configured todetermine a distance between the proximity sensor and a sensor target,wherein the proximity sensor is configured to generate range data basedon the distance to the sensor target.
 14. The mounting assembly of claim7, the control module further comprising: a temperature sensorconfigured to detect changes in a body temperature of the patient, orchanges in an environmental temperature of the environment around thepatient.
 15. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the fabric isfree of electrical terminals mounted to the fabric that extend outwardlyaway from the sock.
 16. A mounting assembly, comprising: a pad havingone or more pins extending through fabric of a garment from inside tooutside, wherein the fabric includes at least one electrical circuitthat includes at least one pressure sensor, and wherein at least one ofthe pins is electrically connected by the fabric to at least oneelectrical circuit; and a base outside of the garment having and one ormore sensor terminals in electrical connection with one or morereceptacles defined by the base arranged to receive the pins extendingthrough the fabric, and wherein the pins are removably retained by thereceptacles of the base.
 17. The mounting assembly of claim 16,comprising: a control module mounted to the base, the control modulehaving a transmitter and a processor, and one or more control moduleterminals electrically connect to corresponding sensor terminals of thepad, wherein the processor is configured to control the transmitter totransmit signals representing changes in pressure detected by thepressure sensor.
 18. The mounting assembly of claim 16, wherein at leastone of the pressure sensors includes has piezoelectric threads woveninto the fabric of the garment arranged and adapted to change resistanceas pressure is applied to the piezoelectric threads.
 19. The mountingassembly of claim 16, wherein the electrical circuit includes conductivethreads woven into the fabric of the garment electrically connecting theat least one pressure sensor to the one or more pins.
 20. The mountingassembly of claim 16, the pressure sensor included with the garment hasa sensor thickness that is less than or equal to a fabric thickness ofthe fabric.
 21. The mounting assembly of claim 16, wherein the garmentis a sock for a patient's foot, and wherein the pad and base arepositioned on the sock adjacent a heel of the patient.
 22. The mountingassembly of claim 17, wherein the base further comprises: one or moreengagement members extending into a central opening defined by the base;wherein the control module includes flanges configured to engage theengagement members of the base.
 23. The mounting assembly of claim 17,the control module further comprising: a memory for storing a patientprofile; a gyroscope sensor and an accelerometer, wherein the controlmodule activates the gyroscope sensor and the at least one pressuresensor when changes in acceleration measured by the accelerometer exceeda predetermined activation threshold maintained in the patient profile.24. The mounting assembly of claim 23, wherein the control module isconfigured to calculate a triggering value by combining changes in atleast an angular velocity measured by the gyroscope sensor, andacceleration measured by the accelerometer, and wherein the processor isconfigured to send an alert message via a computer network if thetriggering value exceeds a predetermined alert threshold maintained bythe patient profile.
 25. The mounting assembly of claim 16, wherein thefabric is free of electrical terminals mounted to the fabric that extendoutwardly away from the garment.